o44< Recently jmb lis lied Ornithological Woi-ks. [Ibis, 



and geese. Estimates received from various sources give au 

 average of a 50 per cent, decrease in the case of the ducks, 

 while, in the geese the estimates are higher and average a 

 75 per cent, decrease. Quail, Mourning-Dove, Californian 

 Clapper Rails, and Long-billed Curlew are among those 

 species whose numbers have been seriously reduced, while 

 the Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse is now apparently 

 extinct in California. The decrease of the game-birds is 

 attributed to a combination of causes, but primarily to the 

 sale of game in the open market, which is now prohibited 

 except in the case of the geese and ducks, and the authors 

 are anxious that these also should be included in this 

 legislation. 



A glossary o£ special terms used in the book, followed by 

 a dichotomous key (for identification of Californian game- 

 birds only), precedes the general account of the various 

 species which occupies the greater part of the book. 

 A chapter is devoted to each species and in every case 

 is preceded by small-type paragraphs with the following 

 headings : — " description " (namely plumage of the species, 

 soft parts, measurements), "marks fur field identification," 

 "voice," " nest,"*' "eggs," "general distribution,'^ and 

 '^ distribution in California." Descriptions are given of 

 the adult male and female. In the Waders, where many 

 species have a distinct summer-dress, descriptions of both 

 summer and winter plumage are included ; the juvenile 

 plumage is dealt with as briefly as possible, and is followed 

 where material is available by a description of the natal 

 plumage. The colours of the soft parts are described with 

 the plumage, which we think a pity as it entails reading 

 some of the description before ascertaining colour of eyes 

 and bill. We should also have liked more information 

 about the eclipse plumage in the ducks, which in some 

 species, e.g. American Wigeon, is not referred to at all, 

 and in some others is disposed of by saying it resembles the 

 plumage of the female, no points of distinction being given. 



In some instances, what is described as the juvenile 

 plumage of certain ducks undoubtedly refers to the first 



